Biocarbon and Biocoal for
Steel Production
Valorize provides biocarbons, along with technical support for carbon injection and briquettes, for immediate use in EAF and blast furnace operations.
BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS
Why Steel Companies Are Evaluating Biocarbon
Carbon Cost Avoidance
In the EU, every tonne of BF-BOF steel carries €125-220 in carbon liability at current ETS prices. Biocarbon emissions are biogenic and zero-rated under EU ETS.
At €70-100/tCO₂, the economics of biocarbon substitution are increasingly favorable.
Green Steel Market Access
OEMs and infrastructure buyers with Scope 3 targets are contracting directly with low-carbon steel producers, often at premium pricing with long-term offtake agreements.
+5-20% price premiums reported in early green steel contracts.
CBAM and Regulatory Pressure
CBAM penalizes high-carbon exports to the EU. Banks and insurers are increasingly restricting financing for carbon-intensive assets. Public procurement is shifting to low-carbon specifications.
Decarbonization affects cost of capital and market access—not just unit economics.
INDUSTRY ADOPTION
Steel Producers Using Biocarbon
Using biocarbon in blast furnace operations as part of fossil-free steel roadmap. Targeting fossil-free steel by 2030.
Biocarbon as bridge solution alongside hydrogen DRI development
Testing biocarbon in PCI (pulverized coal injection) at multiple European sites as part of XCarb® decarbonization initiative.
Industrial-scale PCI trials with biocarbon blend ratios of 10%+
Exploring biocarbon and bio-coal injection at IJmuiden and Port Talbot as part of pathway to net-zero.
Piloting bio-coal as partial coke substitute in sintering and BF
SALCOS program combines hydrogen DRI with biocarbon as transitional solution. Targeting climate-neutral production by 2033.
Biocarbon integration as part of phased decarbonization
TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
Research and Trial Results
Biocarbon performance in steelmaking has been validated across academic research and industrial trials.
Academic Research
University of Oulu (Finland)
2025
Comprehensive study on biocarbon feasibility in steel production. Lignin from lignocellulosic bioethanol identified as highest-potential feedstock for met coal replacement.
SMART@UNSW Centre (Australia)
2019
IEA Bioenergy Task 42 collaboration. Demonstrated complete iron oxide reduction using biocarbon at steelmaking temperatures (1300-1600°C).
Key finding
100% coke replacement viable
Industrial Trials
BioCarbon Australia + Infrabuild
EAF trials
GreenChar technology replaced 100% of charge coke in Electric Arc Furnace trials, producing approximately 3,000 tonnes of steel.
Polymer Injection Technology
84,000+ heats
Alternative carbon injection commercially deployed in Thailand, Korea, UK, Norway, and Australia since 2011.
Nordic steel producers
PCI pilots at 10%+
WHAT WE SUPPLY
Steel-Grade Biocarbon Products
We source biocarbon to your specifications for testing and commercial supply
Injection Carbon (Granules)
EAF & Slag Foaming
Granular biocarbon optimized for pneumatic injection systems. Higher reactivity than anthracite for faster slag foaming.
Biocarbon Briquettes
PCI & Charged Carbon
Densified briquettes for pulverized coal injection and charged carbon applications. Overcomes density limitations.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Test Biocarbon in Your Operations
Start with a pilot trial to validate performance before scaling.
Share Your Requirements
Tell us your process type (BF, EAF, PCI), current carbon consumption, and target specifications. We'll match you with qualified suppliers.
Receive Samples & Pricing
Get product samples for lab testing and indicative pricing for pilot and commercial volumes. We handle supplier qualification.
Run Pilot Trials
Test biocarbon in your operations. We provide technical support for process integration and help structure commercial supply agreements.
Ready to Evaluate Biocarbon?
Get pricing and samples for your steel operations. We'll help you build the business case and connect you with qualified suppliers.